In a rare show of unity, former Democratic Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton are set to join President Joe Biden in New York on Thursday, bolstering his bid for a second term and his reelection campaign’s financial resources. The high-profile fundraiser is expected to send a powerful message of commitment from the 42nd and 44th presidents to the 46th, in a bid to prevent the 45th president, Donald Trump, from making a comeback as the 47th.
The Biden campaign announced that the evening’s fundraiser has already raised over $25 million, further strengthening Biden’s financial position as he prepares for a potential rematch against Trump. Obama, in particular, has been increasingly active in Biden’s reelection campaign, spurred by concerns over the possibility of his friend and former vice president having to hand over the Oval Office to Trump, as he himself had to do.
The joint appearance of the three presidents at Radio City Music Hall is expected to underscore the high stakes of the upcoming election. It will also mark a rare occasion when four presidents are in one location, outside of Washington, on the same day. Trump, who is permanently estranged from the ex-presidents’ club due to his extreme behavior, is due on Long Island on Thursday to attend a wake for slain New York City Police Officer Jonathan Diller.
The fundraiser is the first major joint appearance of Obama and Clinton on behalf of Biden this campaign cycle. However, it raises questions about whether the two former presidents still wield the political influence they once did. Despite this, both Obama and Clinton retain strong support among African American voters, a crucial demographic for the Democratic coalition. Obama is also expected to campaign on college campuses in the fall to engage young voters, a demographic that has traditionally been difficult to mobilize.
Despite their shared goal, the relationships among the three presidents have not always been smooth. All three, by definition, have substantial egos, and there have been times when they have clashed. The failed presidential bids of another historic figure, former first lady and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, add another layer of complexity to the dynamics among the three presidents.
However, the three have largely set aside their differences to unite against what they perceive as a significant threat to US democracy – a second term for Trump.